Gen NS Raja Subramani Takes Over as India’s New CDS

NEW DELHI, May 31: Gen NS Raja Subramani on Sunday assumed charge as India’s new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), succeeding Gen Anil Chauhan, with a key mandate to implement military theatreisation and strengthen integration among the Army, Navy and Air Force.

Shortly after taking over, Gen Subramani said transformation of the armed forces and organisational reforms to enhance tri-services synergy would be his primary focus. He also stressed accelerating the development, induction and integration of indigenous weapon systems into the armed forces.

“Our armed forces consistently demonstrated professionalism and operational decisiveness in safeguarding our national interests. We are committed to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country,” he said, assuring citizens that the armed forces would continue serving the nation with dedication, courage, honour and professionalism.

Widely regarded as an expert on Pakistan and China, Gen Subramani was serving as Military Advisor at the National Security Council Secretariat before taking over the country’s top military post. He retired as Vice Chief of Army Staff on July 31 last year.

One of his primary responsibilities as CDS will be rolling out integrated military commands under the ambitious theatreisation plan aimed at improving joint operational capabilities of the three services.

Gen Subramani brings over 40 years of military experience, having served in a wide range of command, staff and instructional appointments. He was Vice Chief of Army Staff from July 2024 to July 2025 and headed the Army’s Central Command between March 2023 and June 2024.

Commissioned into the 8th Battalion of the Garhwal Rifles in December 1985, he is a graduate of the National Defence Academy and the Indian Military Academy. He has also studied at the Joint Services Command and Staff College in the UK and the National Defence College in New Delhi.

During his distinguished career, he commanded the 16 Garhwal Rifles in Assam under Operation Rhino, the 168 Infantry Brigade in Jammu and Kashmir, and the 17 Mountain Division in the Central Sector. He also commanded two corps, including a premier strike corps on the Western Front.

His key staff assignments included serving as Defence Attaché in Kazakhstan, Deputy Director General of Military Intelligence, Chief Instructor at the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, and Chief of Staff at Northern Command.

For his distinguished service, Gen Subramani has been awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Sena Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal. (Agencies)